ASUS enlists BlueStacks to run Android apps on Windows PCs, skips all the OS juggling

Turns out that you won't have to buy a Transformer AiO and use two whole operating systems to run Android apps on that ASUS Windows PC -- the Taiwan PC builder has struck a deal to run Bluestacks' App Player for key software on the ASUS@Vibe side of its new Open Cloud Computing service. The code layer will give free rein to play games like Fruit Ninja or Defender as well as run more sober titles like Evernote and Pulse. Apps will be available across every type of PC ASUS makes, including Eee PC netbooks and other models without touchscreens, but they won't always be gratis. ASUS is providing free Android apps for just the first six months of service and will be charging an unspecified rate for unlimited access afterwards, so you may want to opt for that Transformer AiO or a PadFone to run mobile apps the old-fashioned way.

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ASUS Partners with BlueStacks to Bring Android Apps to Millions of PCs Worldwide

ASUS, one of the world's top three consumer notebook vendors and a leading innovator in personal computing products, has partnered with BlueStacks to bring popular Android apps to 30 million Asus PCs worldwide.

BlueStacks, makers of "App Player for PC" software, will enable a rich selection of Android apps on asus@vibe, a one-stop entertainment platform that is preinstalled on all ASUS products. Powered by BlueStacks technology, users of asus@vibe can access exciting and engaging Android apps across all categories including games, social, news, shopping, music, business and education.

BlueStacks recently partnered with top app developers to bring popular Android apps like Fruit Ninja, Evernote, Pulse, Drag Racing, Defender, Tap Fish, Moviefone, Nook, Guns N Glory, Talking Tom and Kids ABC to the one billion strong PC market. BlueStacks' patent pending LayerCake technology enables Android apps on touch and non-touch Windows PCs. As part of this special arrangement with BlueStacks, users of asus@vibe will enjoy Android apps for free for 6 months, with the option to upgrade to unlimited apps and sync apps from phone to PC. The apps are integrated into and presented seamlessly within the @vibe platform across the entire range of ASUS products, including the ZenBooks, notebooks, Eee PCs, desktop PCs and All-in-one PCs.

"ASUS is delighted to bring a vibrant selection of apps that were previously inaccessible on Windows PCs. Our partnership with BlueStacks is a valuable addition to the @vibe family," noted Vira Chang, the Head of eBusiness Services at ASUS. "The integration of BlueStacks and @Vibe is central to ASUS's consumer cloud strategy. Additionally, we are encouraged by the increased revenue potential that BlueStacks represents."

"ASUS has created a phenomenal software experience on PCs. Launching with ASUS at Computex 2012 solidifies BlueStacks' leadership position as the sole provider of apps for consumer electronics and PC manufacturers worldwide," said Rosen Sharma, President and CEO of BlueStacks. "Our strong portfolio of apps from top developers, combined with our unique monetization engine makes this a revenue-generating opportunity for PC OEMs. This is a winning proposition for the entire PC ecosystem. App developers who have already built for Android can now just run their apps on Windows PCs through BlueStacks. We've done the heavy lifting for the benefit of all."